How it works
Your State Pension age is set by law from your date of birth. It is 66 for people born between 6 October 1954 and 5 April 1960, rises in monthly steps to 67 for people born from 6 April 1960 to 5 March 1961, is 67 for people born from 6 March 1961 to 5 April 1977, and rises to 68 for people born from 6 April 1977, with a phase-in between 2044 and 2046. Older women had a lower age that rose from 60 to 65.
A worked example
Someone born on 20 March 1965 reaches State Pension age at 67, on 20 March 2032. Someone born on 1 January 1990 reaches it at 68, on 1 January 2058.
What to keep in mind
Uses the State Pension age timetable in current law (Pensions Acts 1995, 2007, 2011 and 2014). The government reviews State Pension age regularly and Parliament can change it, especially for younger people. It does not tell you how much State Pension you will get: check your forecast on GOV.UK.
What is State Pension age?
State Pension age is the earliest age you can start getting the State Pension. It is set by law from your date of birth and is the same for men and women born after 5 December 1953. It is also the age you can apply for Pension Credit. It is separate from the age you can take money from a workplace or personal pension, which is usually 55 now and rises to 57 in April 2028.
State Pension age by date of birth
Born 6 October 1954 to 5 April 1960: 66. Born 6 April 1960 to 5 March 1961: between 66 and 1 month and 66 and 11 months. Born 6 March 1961 to 5 April 1977: 67. Born 6 April 1977 to 5 April 1978: you reach it on a set date between 6 May 2044 and 6 March 2046. Born on or after 6 April 1978: 68.
Can State Pension age change?
Yes. The government must review State Pension age regularly, and the rise to 68 could be brought forward or changed by a future law. People born in the 1970s and later are most likely to be affected. Check GOV.UK before you make firm retirement plans.
You do not get your State Pension automatically
You should get a letter about two months before you reach State Pension age telling you how to claim. If you do not, contact the Pension Service. You can also choose to put off claiming, which increases your weekly payment when you do claim.
Frequently asked questions
When can I get my State Pension?
From your State Pension age, which depends on your date of birth. Enter it above to see the exact date.
Is State Pension age 66 or 67?
It is 66 if you were born between 6 October 1954 and 5 April 1960, rises to 67 for people born after 5 March 1961, and is between the two for people born in between.
When does State Pension age go up to 68?
Under current law it rises from 67 to 68 between 2044 and 2046, for people born on or after 6 April 1977. A future review could change this.
Can I take my State Pension early?
No. You cannot claim the State Pension before your State Pension age. You may be able to take money from a workplace or personal pension earlier.
Is State Pension age the same for men and women?
Yes, for everyone born after 5 December 1953. Women born earlier had a lower State Pension age that rose from 60 to 65.
Sources & rates
Rates checked on 7 October 2026.
For general information and planning, not personalised financial or tax advice. Verify important decisions with a qualified adviser.